We were going to Chi town for for the Annual SCAS (Stylist Choice Awards show) show hosted by Behind the Chiar (www.behindthechair.com), Mary Rector-Gable. This show is usually in Orlando, but was moved to Chicago this year.

This was the first time flying with the Grand-baby. Happy to say, she rocked the flight, no issues. :) whew! We also brought along our grown adult children, it had been quite awhile since we travelled as an entire family, and I was so happy to have us all together again.

The W hotel is very pretty! We got adjoining rooms with views of the lake and Navy Pier.

We enjoyed dinner at their in hotel restaurant The Wave, Mediterranean style sharing food. They had a very busy bar scene.... an upstairs skybar club.

The first day, my husband hit the hair show floor while my daughters, grandaughter and I hit the Indoor pool, (stays heated at a nice 80 degrees). Adjacent to the fitness center, with views of the Navy Pier and a tower that Oprah lives in, top floor, of course.

The Navy pier is just a short walk from the W hotel, so we ventured out into the cold, with our jackets, scarfs and gloves.

We ate at a brand new restaurant, Hoits

We ate out with our Alterna friend, Marta at

We Hired a private car to take us around the town on our last day to see the sights, the tower, the bean, tried out an old trend, Pizza at Ginos East... true deep dish pizza. You can leave your mark, literally on the walls.

* Travel Tip: The Times building there are two camera/computer screens.. you can photograph yourself in a times newspaper frame and email it to yourself.